Nano Research Area

Nano-Electronics

Nano-Materials & Engineering

Research Summary

Dr. Brenner’s group uses atomic-scale computer simulations to develop a fundamental understanding of many-body chemical dynamics in condensed phases, with an emphasis on technologically-important materials and processes.

Specific areas of interest currently include molecule-surface collisions and thin film vapor deposition; energy transfer, friction, tribochemistry and their influence on the wear of sliding solid interfaces; shock-induced chemistry in solids; nanometer-scale structure and mechanical properties of grain boundaries in covalent materials; mechanisms of cross-linking and hardening of polymers via ion bombardment; and the development of new strategies for engineering nanometer-scale structures and devices.

Much of the engineering of advanced materials and electronic devices in the next century will likely require building structures on a microscopic if not an atom-by-atom level. By exploring this realm, the research group’s simulations are helping to lay the foundation for the next generation of materials engineering.